Japanese automakers were shut out of the top three in the latest Total Value Index, which measures the way consumers perceive the overall value of automotive brands and individual products.

The study, which looks at dozens of factors — such as quality, long-term reliability, warranties, fuel economy and standard equipment – found motorists putting Volkswagen at the top of the heap, a sharp turnaround for the German maker. Hyundai landed on the second rung, followed by third-place Ford.

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Significantly, Detroit’s Big Three landed more individual segment winners – 11 in all out of 23 possible segments – than manufacturers from Japan, Europe or Korea.

This is the first time that has happened in a decade, according to Chris Chaney, head of automotive research for California-based Strategic Vision, suggesting, “This is an important milestone toward the ‘domestic comeback.’”